Beautiful stranger ((Brianna))

[darien]

Not paying any attention to the potions essay laying on the ground before him Ray rather used the time to flirt with the girl he was supposed to be working with. Why not? She was a good-looking chica. The “study” session ended far too early for Ray’s liking as he bowed easily to kiss the girl hand for all the help in Potions she had given him. Watching the girl walk away Ray merely shrugged easily and sauntered out of the library only to stop and wink at the librarian once to thank her once again for the warm and quiet environment that was just so prefect for studying.
Feeling satisfied at the puzzled look Pince sent him Ray continued on his way his thumbs lazily pushed into the back pockets of her comfortably worn-in jeans. He didn’t like Potions but that didn’t mean his older sister hadn’t liked it. Swinging by the Gryffindor common room Ray grabbed a jacket along before continuing his walk towards the doors of the school so he could get to the owlery and send a note begging for help to his older sister.

Turning the corner while whistling Jimi Hendrix’s “Foxy lady” Ray stopped and smilied appreciatingly at the girl gathering her things on the floor. Long dark hair, long legs and nicely fitting clothes. What could be better. An appreciative whistle emerged from Ray’s lips as he walked closer now singing out the song rather than whistling. “Ah, baby listen now
I’ve made up my mind
I’m tired of wasting all my precious time
You’ve got to be all mine, all mine
Foxy lady.” Ray sang out as he bent to pick up one of the books the girl had obviously dropped and handed it to her his left hand rubbing small comforting circles on the girl’s shoulder. “How did you get into this bit of mishap, princess? It’s breaking my heart to see you here alone all by yourself without anyone to gaze at your starlighted eyes.”

Ray smiled and winked at the girl offering her a hand to help her up to her feet. Smiling at the girl Ray gazed at her steadily. Ravenclaw if the books were any indicator. And a 5th year. Ray never forgot a pretty face. He almost never remembered the name going with the face but he knew all the faces. “Come with me.” Ray offered to the girl with a wink and a smile as he held out his hand waiting to se if the girl would take it and what was more important even would she come along with Ray?

[aithne]

Brianna had woken early that morning, having gone to bed equally early the night before. She hadn’t felt at all good- a pounding headache had thumped around in her mind all day and she hadn’t been able to concentrate with any of her classes, resolving in some minor telling-offs. Her mother had always told her the best thing for a headache was to take lots of Paracetamol, a drug for pains the Wizarding world hadn’t heard about, drink tons of water, and have an early night with cat. For the last choice Brianna declined, choosing instead to have an early night with her fluffy pink Puffskein. The little creature was everything to Brianna and whenever the mistress felt less active than usual, the little Puffskein’s mood was similar. So the early night came with lots of muggle medicines and calming music, from a small charm Brianna had learnt in her third year.

Brianna loved waking early- usually nobody in her house was yet up as most of them were too lazy. So Brianna woke alone and got full time in the hot shower, much to her liking. She dressed in a black skirt ending quite before her knees, a white tank top and a black jumper, which didn’t cover her torso and ended at her elbows. Once dressed and smelling of her one of her favourite scents, jasmine for the day, Brianna set some white beads around her neck and some silver and green earrings on her ears. After jewellery she lashed on some simple blue mascara though left the blusher- she was naturally dark-skinned and blusher would make her seem feverish. The only other make-up she used was a simple coat of light pink gloss for her lips which she smacked together favourably after. She left the room to mumbled groans after knocking the mirror over and having to repair it with her wand, and was closely followed by her Puffskein who jumped energetically into the small white bag she brought with her. Her foremost stop was the library for the books she had to revise with, some Potions research she had fallen behind on. She held them in her hands as her bag wasn’t quite big enough especially with her pink pet taking most of the space inside. The covers were all hidden in thick grey leather but for one, Potions: A gift or a fault, which made Brianna frown- though she wasn’t quite sure why. She brought with her three books and instead of researching in her Common Room or the library where she generally would have headed, she searched the corridors for a vacant classroom to sit in without interference.

It wasn’t long until Brianna and Alico, her Puffskein, found themselves on the corridor beside the Owlery. Brianna wasn’t sure why- she didn’t like owls too much and often disliked the place they slept in as the smell highly annoyed her. She was just about to turn away down the staircase when Nearly Headless Nick, the Gryffindor ghost, shot out before her. The gust of wind he brought with him half-lifted her skirt and, trying to pat it down with a scowl, Brianna dropped her three books on the floor.

“Terribly sorry dear, but you must understand we ghosts aren’t so bad.” The floating culprit smiled at Brianna, wrinkles appearing beneath the kindly eyes as he waved slightly, and hovered off down the corridor. Brianna didn’t make much of a move, merely scowled at the retreating back before bending down low to pick up her books. Before she could reach for Potions: A gift or a fault Brianna noticed a hand circling the small of her back, and looked up with her deep brown eyes. She recognised the face which then picked up her book, and smiled a little. The boy’s name was Ray and he was a flirt. As he spoke to Brianna and gave her a hand to help her up, she laughed lightly.

“My Starlighted eyes, Ray? I’m sure I don’t need anyone to look into those thanks.” She looked at his out-stretched hands smiling teasingly as he winked. “You silly flirt Ray.” She tucked the books under her left arms, seeing Alico’s fluffy head appear over her bag. She gave Ray an innocent look and took his hand, amused. “And where exactly would my prince be taking me?” She spoke, replying to his princess comment.
She hadn’t had the best morning so far, though had expected one, and was going along with Ray’s little game for a laugh.

[darien]

Ray smiled as the girl took his hand. Placing his other hand on top of hers Ray stepped a few steps backwards before turning and still holding onto to Brianna’s hand Ray too to walking beside her. Managing to slip her books under his own arm, Ray stopped for a moment to steady the books before he continued walking next to the pretty Ravenclaw. “Haven’t you ever looked into the velvet sky of night my princess? It holds the same kind of warm mystery as your eyes. And when you smile there’s a twinkle that rushes out form your heart that lights up your eyes just like stars light up the sky.” Ray smiled as he held eye-contact with the girl squeezing her hand gently. “I’ll prove it to you.”

Changing their directions Ray lead Brianna through numerous hallways with one destination only now having hopped into his mind. He hadn’t even been sure the girl would come with him when he had invited her. So he hadn’t thought of a place to take her either. Which worked nicely because her own words had given the hint to Ray where to take her. Looking back at Brianna Ray raised her hand towards his lips for a moment before letting it fall further form his lips once again without kissing it. Instead Ray shook his head. “No princess. I’m not worthy. I’m just a squire trying to bring out the stars in your eyes.”

Not exchanging an other word with the girl Ray let go of her hand as they reached a small black door. Pulling the door open Ray smiled and motioned for Brianna to go in, knowing fully well that the marvel of this room in Hogwarts wouldn’t show until you stepped into the room. A large circular room with it’s walls, floor and the dome above it all covered with mirrors. Mirrors that reflected and lighted you as you stepped into each and every one of them at the same moment you stepped into the room. Even the light started only at the moment when someone entered the room. Ray had discovered that by an accident just the other night when he had had to flee from Filch on his way back from stargazing with a friend. “Go and see the stars shining from your eyes yourself, my princess.” Ray bowed formally with one of his legs reached a bit forward in an imitation of a medieval bow as he stayed in that position waiting for Brianna to pass him and enter the room.


((I hope you don't mind me saying Ray took your books. But he wouldn't be a gentleman if he hadn't. But tell me and I'll take it out if you wish.))

[aithne]

Brianna smiled at the other Ravenclaw as they walked, laughing along as he flattered her. This was what she really needed- some harmless good fun with another Ravenclaw. She thought with a smile that Ray was really the best person to do that with- with her girlfriends they would be forever going on about some new style of fashion or hair accessories, and Brianna had nothing wrong with that. But for once it was nice just to be complimented properly, even though Brianna felt Ray only wanted flirt. Most likely he wouldn’t even remember her name afterwards, and the same encounter would occur from forgotten past but in another place.

“Thank you, my handsome Prince, though I am sure the warm mystery in my eyes is only the shadow of my mighty confusion. Where are you taking me?” She spoke softly, looking around curiously. She felt him squeeze her hand lightly and smiled at him, wondering what he was up to. “You’ll prove it to me?” She raised her shaped brows, in mock disbelief. “Brilliant, I can’t wait. Squire’s need to make themselves worthy, so this better be fabulous!” She laughed out loud though softly, and carefully watched the path they made as they wandered in and out. After a while she noticed she didn’t know the corridors too well and was a little amazed. After five years at the Castle she still didn’t know everything about it? It was pretty odd, but she supposed even Dumbledore found something new about the place at least once a week.
The black door they soon approached seemed to beckon Brianna even as it was closed and as her companion opened it she looked inside, though without stepping in.

“Ray, what’s this? It’s just an old, glass, shed-like room. Old, dusty glass walls and floors!” Brianna spoke to the boy. She calmly raised her eyebrows, though laughed at the same time. “Ok, I’ll follow the unworthy squire into his hovel.” She stepped into the room, ducking a little through the door.

She gasped as she looked around her, eyes in awe. Mirrors were everywhere, the old glass transforming into shining, sparkling mirrors. Brianna felt almost dizzy in the place as wherever she stood she could see about twenty of herself reflecting in her eyes. Looking into one mirror she checked her appearance hastily. Even though she was only with Ray for a bit of a laugh, she still had to look good. She noticed a corner of her skirt was messy, showing more leg than need be and quickly tugged it down to flatten the fold. She checked her make-up and the rest of her appearance quickly. Brianna was a little vain and did know it, but it didn’t take long. Soon she was facing Ray again and laughing.
“And old shed indeed! This is amazing! I wonder who built it…” She faded off, looking around the room again. “It certainly makes you feel a little giddy!” She wavered on her feet a little, before laughing at the sight of so many images of herself and Ray. Smiling, she spoke again in a fainter voice. “Does anyone else know about this? I have certainly not seen it before.”

(nope, it's perfectly fine. I don't mind small GDmoding if it's harmless and not extreme, and if you are sure I won't mind it.")

[darien]

“Not my hovel I’m afraid. While I would adore to have a wide estate and a lovely maiden like yourself adorning the turreted tower top I’m afraid I don’t own this school.” Ray replied easily watching as Brianna entered the room. Observing the girl Ray had to bite back n urge to laugh as Brianna fixed small details in her appearance after a quick closer glance at one of the mirrors. It was so girly that Ray had to swallow his laughter. Stepping into the room Ray observed how he stepped into all the mirrors as well.
“The same person who built the whole school. A lot of magic must have gone into the castle and into this room to keep it still working this well.” Ray looked around the room as he stepped closer to the wall his finger gliding over the decorated strip of wood between two mirrors. The room made him think of masked balls in medieval times with fancy dresses and jewels being warn by equally stunning woman.

“I ran into this place by an accident but I think that some people do know about it. I think I saw one of the Hufflepuffs heading this way. But does it really even matter?” Ray smiled turning back towards Briannanas so far he had merely kept an eye on her through the mirrors. “Can you feel history? Maybe an ancestor of yours fleed a masked ball wearing a red-white dress with a skirt and tight bodice. She ran here to escape the attention of an unwanted suitor. Falling to sit she tore of her velvet mask that was adorned with diamonds and cried. Her hair loose and the cinnamon-colored locks tumbling over her heaving shoulders and her eyes covered with a sheen of tears. Yet she had never looked prettier.” Ray had been walking around the room his eyes closed as he almost whispered giving a rather good impression of having a vision. Now opening his eyes and looking at Brianna Ray was careful not to smile. Not a hard task because he was a rather good actor. “What happened next, princess? Was the girl left to cry alone before her parents made her marry the suitor the following day? Or did her love find her and take her away to an adventure where they searched for happiness together?”

Ray silenced for a moment before smiling and dropping the whispering act as she stepped forward and reached out his hand to Brianna. “But I proved my point princess as your eyes do hold a tempting mystery within them.”

[aithne]

Brianna listened, entranced, as Ray spoke. She smiled, amazed at his words. It was as if he were charming her, though she knew he wouldn’t factually do such a thing. But his words reached her ears like honey and sugar. Ray seemed to create a vision right before her eyes, of women and men in their old-fashioned, medieval party gear. Brianna found herself sighing as Ray spoke about the girl crying, and then noticed what was happening. With a hearty, loud laugh, Brianna almost danced over to Ray and grinned playfully at him. He asked her what happened next, and she paused, putting on a mock thinking pose.

“What happened next? Oh, it’s only obvious. The weeping girl faced her parents head on and told them how the world would work from then after. And she told her suitor to go get himself a life, and she dumped her lover’s dreams in the bin and found happiness by herself.” She smiled again, admitting to herself she was indeed flirting just a little. “Of course they hold a mystery, minor. The mystery that not all girls need a man beside them to help them across the road. Well, maybe some of those Slytherin girls think they need it, but we can manage just fine without a charmer like you. Where did you learn to spin words like golden thread as you just did?” She felt the words did want to be answered. He must have practised those words like an actor with a script, and the whole eye-closed act just made Brianna even more amused.

She hadn't met anyone like Ray before- he had such a way with words. Even Brianna herself, who doted on stories and fantasy writing, couldn't have done what the Gryffindor just did straight away. She knew in an instant as he spoke the words that she would indeed have some fun with him. The 'trance' he had almost held her in with his voice was now gone but Brianna still marvelled at the thoughts of velvet masks adorned with diamonds.

((Sorry it's so late!)

[darien]

Ray observed Brianna calmly as she laughed loudly and danced over to him her every move magnified and repeated by the numerous mirrors around them. His eyes followed Brianna easily as Ray stopped circling the room a smile rising to his lips easily as he listened to her words. The world didn’t need guys like him? It might be true. Ray closed his eyes his smile never faltering as he thought back at what his mother had once said. The world didn’t need him paying his compliments. But there were girls who did. Girls who didn’t trust themselves and girls who needed a male friend to sometimes smile and reassure them hat they looked gorgeous in what they had chose to wear. Ray opened his eyes again holding a certain knowing inside himself that gave him courage. Sometimes an honest compliment coming straight from the heart was all that was needed. Ray had a purpose and even if Brianna didn’t need it there were others who did. Maybe Brianna had yet to understand love or yet to see the talents of her gender to understand the value of compliments.

“But we are talking about medieval times princess. Arranged marriages were almost a must. No woman at that time would have been allowed to stand up to her parents. Had such a woman been a pureblood she would have most likely whipped to death at such insolent behavior.” Dare replied easily having listened to Brianna’s answer and while it was strong and independent it completely lacked romance. “Perhaps she was found. Found by the gentle man with golden hair and brown eyes she loved. He kissed away her tears and they fled under the starlit sky to find happiness. They were never wealthy but they had each other and one day they had their children and a simple cottage where they built their life.” Ray opened his eyes once again moving across the mirrors to the center of the room where he scowled darkly his expression as thunderous as his voice was heavy.
“Or perhaps she cried herself until she could cry no more and she slept on the cold floor. The previous morning she was found and dressed into the finest clothes as she walked down the isle where her father gave her hand to the suitor despite her eyes begging him to not do so.” Ray turned and grinned at Brianna dropping the dramatic act. “But perhaps it was not such a bad decision after all. She grew to respect and trust the man. And slowly love and passion that grew out of their attachment for each other. And several years later when she saw the young boy she had once loved again she could only laugh at her own silliness before she ran over winds to kiss and hug her beloved husband.”

Ray smiled at Brianna while shaking his head. “Any woman and every girl deserves respect as they are the strongest of souls. Yet life is just a little bit easier to bear sometimes with a partner walking by your side. And Slytherin girls are strong. Just as strong, smart and pretty as everyone else. How can we judge them when we have not walked in their shoes and have not experienced their lives?” Ray smiled softly as he bowed lightly at his words as if paying his respect to the Slytherin house females even though none was present at the moment. Certainly Slytherins and Gryffindors didn’t usually get along but Slytherins were humans too and until proven otherwise Ray was willing to give them a chance. Only unity would lead to victory in this world splitting the wizarding world.
“Do you find the room acceptable princess?” Ray asked averting back into the light tone as he walked towards the door of the room and stepped out of I and all the mirrors leaning his shoulder against the door-frame. Things were magical only so far and it was important not to spend the magic of one place all at once.